Toilet use restricted at Watford General Hospital following water pump failure

Watford General Hospital lost water for several hours yesterday causing disruptions to toilets and washrooms in one of its buildings.

Hospital bosses had to restrict patients’ use of toilets and wash facilities in the Princess Michael of Kent building from the early hours of Sunday morning until 2pm while estate workers scrambled to refill the water tanks.

The fault was pinpointed to a loss of power to an electric water pump, affecting the cold water supply across the building.

Jackie Ardley, West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust’s chief nurse, said: "During the early hours of Sunday morning, June 29, loss of the power supply to an electric pump led to a temporary disruption to the cold water supply to the Princess Michael of Kent building at Watford Hospital.

"The fault was rapidly identified and full service was restored by 2pm.

"As would be expected, we have robust systems in place should this sort of problem occur and back-up measures were enacted to minimise the impact on patients, including restricting the use of toilets and washroom facilities for a short period whilst the tanks refilled.

"The disruption did not affect the drinking water supply.

"No other buildings on the site were affected.

"We would like to offer our apologies for any inconvenience caused to our patients or visitors during this time."

The trust’s chief executive Samantha Jones was called in for the weekend emergency.

She tweeted: "Been in on site this afternoon at Watford Hospital. So impressed with the commitment, willingness to help and good humour of all the clinical teams.

"Some really good team working from the estates guys who just get on with their jobs quietly and without fuss. They really keep us going #NHS."

Today the fall out was discussed at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust’s regular ‘Operation Onion’ meeting, attended by Ms Jones.